NRT briefing
Street Fighter movie is 'made by fans for fans' - but can it KO the critics?
Based on reporting by BBC News.
The Brief
The new Street Fighter film, directed by Kitao Sakurai and starring Noah Centineo as Ken Masters and Andrew Koji as Ryu, aims to break the curse of disappointing video game adaptations, according to cast members. Centineo described it as "a movie made by fans for fans," with meticulous attention to detail, including stunt teams studying the characters' video game movements.
Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li, underwent intense training, eating 12 eggs a day and consuming 4,000 calories to replicate the character's physique and moves. However, critics have been less enthusiastic, with The Guardian calling it a "garish and incoherent mess" while praising Liang's fight scenes, and IGN noting it "feels disconnected from any sense of reality."
The film's plot has received almost universal criticism, though fight choreography and visuals were praised. This contrasts with the recent Resident Evil adaptation, which was nearly universally praised and grossed $300 million worldwide. YouTube reviewer Tayyib Mahmood defended the film, arguing it embraces the games' ridiculousness and doesn't need to be loved by everyone.
The film features about 15 characters from the game series and follows Ken and Ryu, estranged martial artists recruited by Chun-Li to compete in the World Warrior tournament.
NRT commentary
How We See It
Once again, Hollywood has delivered a video game adaptation that critics love to hate, but this time, the fans may have the last laugh. It's telling that the cast's enthusiasm and dedication to the source material come through so strongly, even if the plot is a mess.
In an era where studios often prioritize spectacle over substance, it's refreshing to see a film that openly embraces its own absurdity and targets its core audience rather than chasing universal appeal. However, the lukewarm critical reception and the contrast with Resident Evil's near-universal praise suggest that winning over the general audience is still an uphill battle.
Yet, the film's faithfulness to the games' over-the-top style could be its greatest strength, as it offers a distinct identity in a market saturated with grim, self-serious adaptations. If fans show up, it could prove that catering to a niche can be a viable strategy, even if it means alienating the critics.
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